MANILA — The Ninoy Aquino International Aiport recently suffered from an "embarrassing" bed bug infestation reported by some travelers sitting in chairs at Terminals 2 and 3. 

While the airport has removed the infested chairs, a group hopes that authorities will  further conduct measures to stop the spread of the bloodsuckers.

Invasion of bed bugs in establishments such as cinemas, hotels, and apartments as well as in public transportation is not new. 

They could even be a source of a potential infestation at home, said Allan Bilolo, a professional bed bug exterminator for almost 6 years now.

Bilolo, operations manager at Triple-A Pest Terminator, advised people staying at establishments to inspect areas for potential bed bug infestation.

He said the little insects — reddish-brown in color — could cling to people's belongings such as suitcases and jackets, enter their homes, and thrive in sofas and bed mattresses. 

Bed bugs usually attack people when they are asleep and pester them with bites.

Surot! Bed bugs in NAIA 'embarrassing but isolated' - group

EXTERMINATION

When households discover bed bugs swarming their homes, it is important to immediately seek professional services in which exterminators provide a treatment program, Bilolo said.

Regular cleaning agents available at home could help but pesticides from professional exterminators guarantee success, he said.

"Hindi siya magiging effective kumpara kung gumamit ka ng pesticide talaga," he said.

He said bed bugs could be hard to eradicate, especially when the infestation becomes severe. 

Bed bugs easily spread because they lay 1 to 7 eggs a day, he said.

"Kung mayroon silang 10 so may 70 na. Paano kung 100 pa 'yung nandodoon?" he said.

"Maganda makapaglinis agad and ma-laundry 'yung mga gamit."

Bed bugs also live in cracks and other areas at home where it can be challenging to remove them, he noted.

Letting bed bugs on their own with hopes of seeing them die due to a lack of food is not a smart choice, said Bilolo.

He said the bloodsuckers can live without food for weeks up to a year.

"Maganda kapag mayroong infestation ipa-check na agad sa professional para maagapan agad 'yung pagdami," he said, noting that follow-up treatments might be needed to completely remove the bed bugs.